Village Connect
Women entrepreneurs are shaping the future of business, and Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) is leading the charge. The thriving online community of nearly 200,000 mompreneurs took center stage at the inaugural Asia-Pacific UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards, where business leaders and advocates discussed the critical role of women in entrepreneurship and digital inclusion.
PLDT Home has been a steadfast supporter of MMPH since its inception, helping home-based businesses survive and thrive during challenging times. PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios, a strong advocate for the group, emphasized that women’s creativity and resilience drive innovation. She shared the inspiring story of a mompreneur who turned a financial setback into a thriving business—proof that resourcefulness and determination can lead to incredible success.
Breaking Barriers in Business and Home
While women have made great strides in business, they still face the burden of balancing entrepreneurship with household responsibilities. UN Women Philippines Athena Denise Galao raised an important issue: “How do we prevent housework from becoming another barrier for women’s advancement?” Ahyee Campos of GoDigital Pilipinas and Infosys stressed the need to challenge traditional gender roles. “Unpaid home care prevents many women from fully succeeding,” she noted, calling for more active participation from men in domestic responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the government is stepping up efforts to promote inclusivity. NEDA Undersecretary Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy shared that the Philippine Development Plan includes gender mainstreaming strategies to ensure that women have equal opportunities in all sectors. By embedding gender equality in policy-making, the nation is paving the way for a more inclusive future.
AI and the Future of Women in Business
With the rise of AI, many workers fear job displacement, but Connected Women CEO Agnes Gervacio reassured that automation isn’t about replacing people—it’s about enhancing efficiency and competitiveness. “If your digital transformation goal is to reduce headcount, you’re doing it all wrong,” she stated. Instead, businesses should use technology to create opportunities, particularly for women entrepreneurs.
Success, as Vergel de Dios pointed out, is no longer confined to the corporate office. “Today’s success is defined differently. A woman can be an executive or an entrepreneur—what matters is that we inspire the next generation of women to dream beyond limits.” With continued support from platforms like Madiskarte Moms PH, women can break barriers, redefine success, and build a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration, but a reality.
